Hi Tweets and Bryn -

The Rufous-sided Towhee was split by the American Ornithologists Union,
based on scientific studies, a couple of years ago. The western version is
now known as the Spotted Towhee (the one with white spots on the wings) and
the eastern version is now known as the Eastern Towhee (much plainer). If
you are using an older bird guide it was probably published before the
split. So you are seeing the "old" Rufous-sided Towhee, which out here is
now the Spotted Towhee.

Enjoy your birdy property.

Brian H. Bell
Woodinville Wa
bellasoc at isomedia.com

B Kildow wrote:

> Hi all! I'm new to the list. I've been birding off and on for about
> six years. My husband and I will be moving to the Olympia area (where
> he grew up) shortly and that leads to my question. He grew up near
> Offut Lake and everyone in the area always referred to a particular bird
> as a "swamp robin." A very noisy forager, who furiously kicks the leaf
> litter out of his way. The house we are buying is also on Offut Lake
> (great birding site!!!!) and we spotted one kicking away at the leaves.
> To me, it matches the Rufous-sided Towhee, but when I look at the WOS
> Washington Bird List, it doesn't have them listed. Can someone please
> help a newby? Please???!? I'm looking forward to joining the Black
> Hills Audubon Society once we move, if they can put up with the
> questions! :)
>
> Bryn Kildow
> Auburn, WA
> tracker99 at foxinternet.net